These are just some of the incredible campaigners fighting for their waterways. And at Surfers Against Sewage, we have the privilege of working with many, many more. Currently, we support 70 communities across the UK campaigning for their local bathing water.
These campaigners are getting their swim spots officially designated as Bathing Waters, so they’re monitored for pollution and protected by legislation.
They’re the citizen scientists wading into polluted rivers to collect water samples that evidence pollution.
They’re inviting water company execs to sit in their gardens over tea and cake, breaking down defences and securing investment in treatment works.
They’re counting water users and running consultations, garnering support from every corner of their community.
They’re sending in FOIs to get information on permits and finances.
They’re putting pollution in local and national headlines, and talking in schools, and responding to government consultations, and calling out regulators, and asking water company CEOs incredibly difficult questions in incredibly public venues. And they’re a force to be reckoned with.
So what keeps them going? How do they keep diving in when we know just how polluted our inland waters are?
Why our inland waterways matter
To me, it’s because river swimming feels sacred. There’s no hectic waves to contend with, no salty eyes or sandy toes. Duck your head under and it’s quiet and cool, the water flowing around you and on and on and on. There’s a reassurance in this rhythm, a grounding in the natural world that feels utterly unique. (If you haven’t tried wild swimming, I can’t recommend it enough. Here’s a good place to start.)
I’m not alone in this. Millions of us take to the UK’s rivers, streams, lakes, and estuaries every year. These places are community hubs, whether it’s swim groups taking daily dips or families adorned with paddleboards and rubber rings. Many waters have a flock of Bluetits – not the birds, but the wild swimming community that has flourished across the UK.
The mental health benefits of wild swimming are staggering. Swim England’s Wild Swim project tracked the impact of cold water swimming on people with severe anxiety and depression. After six months, their happiness increased by 20%, and anxiety decreased by 18%.
I’ve personally heard countless stories of people turning to the water as they fought to stay sober, coped with grief, or overcame illness. The water gives us community and connection. But that connection is under threat.
The threats our rivers face
I’ll keep this bit brief-ish, because it’s pretty grim. First off, there’s the sewage. And since stats don’t lie, here’s a horrific one:
In 2023, water companies poured sewage into our rivers for a collective 4,513,992 hours, at least. That’s the equivalent of one sewage pipe continually flowing for 515 YEARS.
It’s not just sewage, of course. The ecological devastation from intensive farming is staggering – you just need to google ‘River Wye’ or ‘River Severn’ – and the true extent of agricultural pollution is impossible to pin down. Then there are the chemicals washing off roads into stormwater drains.
Couple that with ineffective regulation and you have a perfect storm. Only a fraction of rivers, lakes, and streams are regularly monitored for water quality and its impact on human or ecological health. Even that limited testing is unreliable, covering only part of the year and failing to show the complete picture.
But here’s the thing: we don’t have to accept this. The campaigners we work with certainly aren’t. We shouldn’t let it take away from all the joy wild waters give us.
What can YOU do?
You don’t need to be a scientist, a politician, or even think of yourself as activist to make a difference. You just need to care. And if you’re reading this, you probably already do.
Here are some actions you can take:
If you have more time…
- Start a campaign to get bathing water designation.
This is one of the best ways to protect your waterways.
If a river, lake or beach is officially designated as a bathing site, it must be monitored for pollution and protected. There is legislation that forces regulators and water companies to take action.
Communities across the UK have been successful in getting designation – and we can help you apply too. We even have a complete toolkit: The Toolkit – Protecting Wild Waters
- Get involved with your local community. Whether it’s joining a local campaign group, attending a river protest, or just talking to friends and family about the issue, visibility matters.
And if you don’t have much time…
- Map how you use the water. We need data on recreational water use to influence policy and protect these spaces. Document how often you swim, paddle, or row – every bit of data helps. Tell us how you dive in here.
- Pressure those in power. Contact your MP, challenge water companies, demand transparency from regulators. Public scrutiny makes a difference.
Want to chat about your waters? Email Kirsty or Lizzie at [email protected]
